Paris - The Louvre has been forced to close t to protect its treasures as severe flooding wreaks havoc across large parts of Europe.
The Paris gallery, the most visited in the world, contains masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa. Its closure is to allow works at risk of damage to be moved.
President Francois Hollande declared a natural disaster in areas of France worst hit by the floods.
At least six people have died and whole towns have been evacuated. The Seine river, next to which the Louvre is situated, is expected to reach up to 20ft higher than normal.
A Louvre spokesperson said paintings on lower floors have been moved upstairs but the Mona Lisa, which is already on an upper floor, has not yet been evacuated. The Musee d’Orsay, just across the river, also announced it would shut.
Part of Paris’s underground metro also closed, as have cafes and bars by the river.
Yvonne Leclerc, who runs a restaurant near the Musee d’Orsay, said: “It’s like a disaster zone.” France remains under a state of emergency after November’s terrorist attacks.
Daily Mail